Name: Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños

If you’re craving something hearty, bold, and made in one pan, this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a cozy combination of tender sweet potatoes, juicy ground beef, and vibrant spices that bring the Southwestern flair to life in the best way. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a satisfying dinner after a long day, this skillet meal is the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances beautifully with the savory meat and smoky seasonings, and everything gets tied together with melted cheese and fresh toppings. It’s as nourishing as it is flavorful, and you won’t believe it all comes together in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet is your weeknight hero. You only need one pan and a few staple ingredients to create a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, and it’s easy to adapt with whatever veggies or toppings you have on hand.

Can I Use Another Type of Potato Instead of Sweet Potato?

You can absolutely swap the sweet potatoes for white or red potatoes if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes add a unique depth and touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the Southwest spices. If using white potatoes, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of brown sugar to mimic that contrast.

Ingredients for the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This flavorful skillet relies on simple, whole ingredients that work together for a satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef brings the savory, protein-rich base that makes this dish filling and flavorful.

Sweet Potatoes add natural sweetness and a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the spices and beef.

Red Bell Pepper offers a subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness.

Onion adds depth and aroma, rounding out the flavor base.

Garlic gives a rich savory punch that intensifies the Southwest flavor.

Chili Powder introduces smoky heat that defines the dish’s bold character.

Cumin adds warmth and earthiness to complement the chili powder.

Smoked Paprika enhances the smokiness and brings beautiful color.

Salt and Pepper to taste, tying the seasoning together.

Cheddar Cheese melts over the top, making everything irresistibly creamy.

Olive Oil for cooking the vegetables and beef to golden perfection.

Optional Toppings: Cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra personality.

Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet (1)

How To Make the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil and add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get golden edges. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the same skillet. Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Stir in the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the beef and veggies in those warm spices.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir them in. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and everything is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt before serving. Add your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a spoonful of sour cream.

Serving and Storing Your Skillet Meal

This recipe makes enough to serve four hungry people generously. It’s a great option for family dinners, and it packs up beautifully for leftovers or lunch the next day. Store any remaining skillet mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen things up.

What to Serve With Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Cornbread Muffins

A little sweetness and a lot of comfort, cornbread is the perfect partner to scoop up those last bites.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright and zesty, this rice dish adds a fluffy sidekick that complements the bold skillet flavors.

Avocado Cucumber Salad

Cool and crisp, this salad brings freshness and a touch of creaminess from the avocado.

Grilled Street Corn

Charred and buttery with a kick of lime, street corn feels like it was made for this dish.

Spicy Black Beans

Smoky and spicy, they round out the Southwest profile perfectly.

Tortilla Chips & Salsa

For a crunchy texture contrast, this pairing also adds a little heat and zing.

Mango Salsa

Sweet and spicy, it brightens the dish with tropical flair.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you love an extra punch, these bring heat and tang to each bite.

Want More Skillet Meal Ideas?

If you love this Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, you’ll probably enjoy these one-pan heroes:

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini with melty cheese and saucy spice.
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef for a cozy and nourishing meal.
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet for all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for creamy comfort in one pan.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Rotini Bake if you’re craving cheesy pasta goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the toppings? Add a different cheese? Maybe even tried it with ground turkey?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes their meals. Questions are always welcome, and we can cook better together.

Explore more flavorful, healthy, and satisfying recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.